The Senate voted to oust Mathis on a party line 21-6 vote – three Democrats were absent – for “neglect of duty” and “gross misconduct in office.” The charges stemmed from Republican allegations that Mathis, the independent chair of the panel, ignored constitutional criteria for drawing congressional and legislative districts and violated open meeting laws during the selection of a mapping consultant.

Secretary of State Ken Bennett today warned groups that are spending money to influence the Phoenix mayoral race and the Senate recall election they can’t hide behind a U.S. Supreme Court ruling giving corporations and labor unions the same speech rights as individuals.

As we celebrate our centennial next February, there are many days that stand out in our history, but few have had the impact on Arizona as much as Dec. 7, 1941. Now, some of that history is at risk of being destroyed.